INTERVIEW: Janel Parrish on Netflix’s ‘To All the Boys: Always and Forever,’ Bringing Books to Life on Screen, All Her Favorites, and Self-Love

To All The Boys: Always And Forever hit Netflix on February 12, and Glitter spoke to star Janel Parrish about the final film in the series.

The third film follows Lara Jean Covey as she prepares to transition from leaving high school to begin adulthood; a pair of life-changing trips leads her to reimagine what life with her family, friends, and Peter will look like after graduation.

Janel has portrayed Margot in both To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, and continues the role in To All The Boys: Always And Forever.

Parrish is best known as Mona Vanderwaal in the hit Freeform series Pretty Little Liars, which aired for seven seasons, as well as in the spinoff series Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. Her other recent work includes Mighty Oak and Holly & Ivy.

Read our exclusive interview with Janel Parrish to find out all about the film series coming to an end, her dream role, staying positive during social isolation, cooking, and strong female representation.

GLITTER: When did you discover your passion for acting?
JANEL: I’m very, very lucky, I discovered it when I was four years old. I attribute it to my parents. They were huge musical theater lovers, and they would listen to Broadway soundtracks in the car. I was obsessed with Phantom of the Opera, and I would sing along. My dad was like, “I think she can sing. I can’t tell, like does she sound like she can sing? Like, for a four-year-old? I don’t know. Let’s take her to go see a musical and see what she thinks.” So they took me to go see Phantom of the Opera, and I was just transfixed. I looked at my dad, and I was like, “I’m going to do that.” And that was it. I booked my first job in Les Miserables, the national touring company, and Broadway when I was six, and that was it. So again, I’m very lucky. I found my passion when I was a child, and I just never looked back.

GLITTER: To All the Boys: Always and Forever is the third film in the franchise; what has it been like growing with the character of Margot?
JANEL: It’s so amazing. I mean, those girls, Anna and Lana, really do feel like my little sisters now, and they made a big sister out of me. I was never a big sister before that. I’ve always had a big sister. I’ve always been the baby. So it brought out this new side of me, feeling like a protective mama bear to my girls, and I love that. I’m going to miss that so much, but I know we’ll still stay friends, which is beautiful. But, yeah, it’s just it’s amazing. I think we just feel very grateful. You know, when we first did the first film, there was no way to know that we’d end up doing three. So to have it be the third and final film is really be bittersweet. We’re really excited for fans to see Lara Jean’s ending, but also it’s so sad that it’s ending.

GLITTER: What attracted you to the role for the first film?
JANEL: I loved, first of all, that it had Asian-American representation. That’s something that you don’t see very often in scripts that come your way where they’re actually seeking it out. The fact that it was written by an Asian-American, the wonderful Jenny Han, who wants to have Asian-American voices and faces represent the story, but also the fact that it’s normalized, you know? It’s just it’s not the main center of the story. It just so happens that she’s an Asian-American, and it’s her story, and it’s normal to tell that story. I loved that. I also loved the strong family bond that they have in the script. I’m very, very close to my family. We’re a very tight-knit family. So I just I loved that. I loved the family themes, and the sisterhood, and just the overall amazing positive message of the movie that you sometimes being unique and being different makes you the most beautiful and to own that. I loved that.

GLITTER: Do you share any qualities with Margot and is there anything you’ve learned from her?
JANEL: You know, we’re actually quite different. Margot is a lot more logical than I am. I would be a lot more Lara Jean, like lost in my own world, thinking about what could possibly happen, sort of just like following my emotions. Margot’s a little bit more methodical and carefully thought out everything, which I love; I love playing that. I love playing a character that’s so different from me. I think the one thing that we have in common is just feeling protective over our family because I’m so close with my family, I would do anything for them, and Margot is the same. I think one thing I’ve learned from her is maybe not to be so impulsive all the time. It’s good to follow your heart, but maybe think things through. There’s beauty in that as well.

GLITTER: What can you tease about Margot for this new film?
JANEL: So you get a lot of sister time, which is so great. My favorite part of the movie is filming our scenes with the three sisters, especially in Korea. That was incredible. You get lots of Covey sisters in Korea content, which is just so fun. But yes, she has a little bit. Her story arc is that she is starting to get to know Trina a little bit more. You know, Trina and her dad started dating in the second film, and Margot was off to college. So she doesn’t know Trina as much as her sisters do, and it’s a little bit of a sore spot for her because she remembers her mom the most. She was the oldest, and their mom passed when they were young, but Margot has sort of come in and filled that mom space. She feels very protective. So to see a new woman kind of taking the place of her mom is a bit difficult. But ultimately, she comes around.

GLITTER: The tagline for the film is, “You never know where love will lead you,” how has love led you in your life?
JANEL: Wow, I mean, I always try to lead with love. I think that’s such a beautiful ideal in life. So, yeah, I’m lucky. I have a lot of love in my life. I have wonderful friends that I don’t know where I would be without them. I have a wonderful family and a wonderful husband, dog. I don’t know where anybody would be without love in their life.

GLITTER: This movie will serve as a final film for the series, what was your reaction when you read the ending?
JANEL: Reading the ending was one thing, but seeing it was a whole nother. It just hit all the feels. I mean, it’s really such a beautiful ending– and a beginning for the next chapter of Lara Jean’s life. I think that fans will be very satisfied and very happy with the way the story ends.

GLITTER: What message do you hope To All the Boys: Always and Forever gives viewers and fans of the series, both the books and films?
JANEL: I think what’s great about Lara Jean and what’s so unique about her character is that she really is a woman who knows who she is, quirks and all, and embraces it no matter what. And she never changes. She never changes for anybody, especially a boy. She sticks with who she is, and I love that message. I love that she’s a strong, independent woman. No matter what, she doesn’t try too hard to fit in. She knows exactly who she is. I think that’s beautiful and that even through distance, love can transcend that. I think it’s great to tackle these themes. It’s so real like, you know– dealing with choosing which college to go to and being fearful that it’s going to affect a relationship or your closeness with your family, but ultimately seeing what your heart wants and following that and knowing that everything else would be okay. If you work on relationships, they’ll still be okay even through distance.

GLITTER: How do you approach a project (film or TV series) based on a book series? Do you read the books or do any sort of research?
JANEL: Yeah, totally. I actually read all the books. I think it really gives a great insight into the characters. I like picking the author’s brain, when she wrote the story, what the backstory is, and why the characters respond the way they do. So yeah, I really do like to read the book series. I think it’s a great way to prepare.

GLITTER: Are there any other books you’d like to see brought to life on screen and be a part of the project?
JANEL: Yes, and that’s currently what I’m doing at the moment, so I can’t say what they are, but that’s the next step in my career as I’m really starting to get into development. It’s a really fun new angle that I haven’t tried before, and I’m discovering that I really like it.

GLITTER: You also just returned to MAGNUM P.I.; what was it like returning to that set?
JANEL: Oh, it was so lovely. I actually went on my birthday, and I’m from there; I’m from Hawaii, so it’s so nice any time I get to come home and be in my homeland. There’s aloha spirit every single time you go back and work, and it is just the nicest set; they’re really welcoming. When they found out it was my birthday, they sang for me. Somebody went out and got me a lei. It’s just the way it is in Hawaii, and it just makes me so proud to be from there.

GLITTER: You have a lot of Broadway and theater experience, do you hope to return to theater in the future?
JANEL: Yes, absolutely. You know, I’ve been lucky enough in the last couple of years in between filming to go to the stage and do different musicals, cabarets, and things like that; and it’s always just fed my soul so much. So during this time, you know, nobody can go be on stage, and I miss it so much. I miss having that outlet, and I feel for all of my friends who are on Broadway right now. I can’t wait for everyone to be able to return to the stage because it’s just– there’s nothing like it; there’s nothing like performing live on stage. It’ll always be my first love.

GLITTER: Favorite show you discovered over quarantine?JANEL: Bridgerton, I’m hopelessly obsessed. I binged it in two days.

GLITTER: Go-to karaoke song?
JANEL: “…Baby One More Time,” Britney Spears.

GLITTER: Any comfort or feel-good movies?
JANEL: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, obviously. But let’s see here, I have so many. I love While You Were Sleeping, that’s kind of an older one, like the ’90s. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is always one of my favorites. I’m a rom-com girl. I always go back to Sex and the City, the movie or the series. Friends always on in my house. I know that’s not a movie, but love it so much. Oh, Crazy, Stupid, Love— love it so much.

GLITTER: Last song you heard and felt connected to?
JANEL: Oh, that’s a hard one. I mean, I’ve just been obsessed with Taylor Swift like Folklore and Evermore, but they’re all so sad. Like “cardigan,” it’s just every time I hear it, I’m like, “Huh-huh. My gosh.” Love it.

GLITTER: TV show or film quote that you feel describes you?
JANEL: Oh, man, that is hard. I’m blanking on quotes at the moment. Oh, man. Okay, I’m also dating myself here, but I’m obsessed with Ally McBeal. It’s like one of my favorite shows of all time, just because it’s a quirky girl who’s just like going through life, just a hot mess trying to figure it out, having all these fantasies all the time. And somebody asks her– they say, like, “what makes your problems bigger than everyone else’s to you?” And she’s like, “They’re mine.” I’m like; I get it, think perspective. You can look at anything that is going on in your life and be like, yeah, but things are so much worse here and there. But you’re just like, but perspective, this is my problem right now, I’m dealing with it, and I’m allowed to feel my feelings.

GLITTER: Do you have any favorite albums that you like to jam to in the car?
JANEL: Oh, yeah, so lately it’s been Evermore and Folklore on repeat, but anything Ariana Grande; I stan so hard, I love her, I love her Positions album. Also her best friend, Victoria Monét, her Jaguar album, and anything Jhené Aiko. Those are my girls that I stan.

GLITTER: Would you ever in the future want to mix your acting and music? Would you want to do a musical anytime soon? Can we cross our fingers for that?
JANEL: That’s my dream. It’s something that is still on my list. I haven’t been able to cross off yet. I would love to do either a musical movie or a TV show.

GLITTER: Would you ever want to release your own music? You are so talented; your voice is incredible.
JANEL: Thank you, that’s so sweet. You know, I don’t know. I’ve been asked that before. I love to play around and record stuff on GarageBand and put snippets here and there on Instagram. But as far as like being a recording artist, I think maybe not. I think my heart speaks more to performing like a musical theater, you know, a musical movie, a musical TV show, anything where I’m performing, I think that’s probably more my love.

GLITTER: Do you have any dream roles or projects?
JANEL: Oh my gosh. Dream role in a musical is Kim in Miss Saigon. That’s just my number one dream role since I was six. As far as like franchises, I would love to join Bridgerton; call me. I love how inclusive they are and how diverse they are in their casting. Call this Asian American girl! I’ll come over, and I’ll wear my powdered wig. I’m here for it– my corset. Let’s see, one other show I’m obsessed with YOU on Netflix, totally obsessed. Gives me PLL vibes; makes me want to go back to my PLL days. I’m here for it. Yeah, those are probably my biggest obsessions that I would like fangirl over joining.

GLITTER: What do you think is the importance of having strong female representation in the entertainment industry as well as diversity?
JANEL: So important, so important. Everybody deserves to see themselves represented accurately and respectfully and feel seen. I love that this film has so many strong women in it as well as just diversity. It’s important to be inclusive. It’s important to represent, and I’m very, very proud to be part of that.

GLITTER: How did you stay positive and motivated during quarantine?
JANEL: Yeah, you know, I think just like everybody, it just goes in waves. There were many days/weeks where I was like, “I don’t want to do anything. I’m gonna sit on my couch and binge this show and Postmates.” And then, sometimes you just wake up, and you’re like, “I don’t want to feel that way. I don’t want to feel down. What can I do to like shake myself out of it?” Some things I started that made me feel motivated and like I was shaking it up, I started cross-stitching, which was like a fun craft to pick up. You really have to focus on to do it. Cooking a lot. I got a Peloton that I’m obsessed with just to feel like being active and feel the energy of a room, even though you’re not in it. Going on walks was important. Lucky, I had my sweet little doggie with me, that helped. I think just ultimately like trying to shake myself out of the negative mindset whenever I get there because we’re in such crazy times. I think it’s just so natural that we’re all gonna have moments where we’re just like, “This sucks,” and just trying to do whatever you can for self-care and listening to yourself and what you need and giving that to yourself.

GLITTER: Did you discover any new recipes over quarantine? Any new favorites?
JANEL: So many! I’ve been trying to experiment more with vegetables because I realized that I don’t like them. So I’ve tried all the things now. Now, I’ve decided I like zoodles so I can make my meat sauce with my zoodles and like spaghetti squash. I feel like it was just a whole experiment of like, what vegetables can I handle and how can I eat them in ways that I will actually like them. So success! I’m eating zucchini.

GLITTER: What does your most recent playlist look like?
JANEL: Oh, yeah, definitely some Taylor Swift, definitely some Ariana. Some Shawn Mendes, I’ve been listening to some of his new songs. Always Beyoncé. Always Gaga. Just like my pop queen icons, they’re scattered throughout there.

GLITTER: How would you describe your fashion sense?  
JANEL: I’m like pretty basic! Like every day, if I’m not being styled for something, I’m pretty much in jeans, a black T, a leather jacket, and some studded boots– that makes me happy. I’m more of an accessory and makeup girl. Like, I’ll dress pretty basic, but I’ll have on all my jewelry and a cat-eye and red lip, and that makes me happy. I’m good with that.

GLITTER: Are there any fun stories or memories you can share from filming these movies?
JANEL: Too many to even count. I mean, my favorite is that we wrapped the movie in Korea, three of us sisters together, in a night market in Korea, eating these amazing noodles that were handmade for us for the scene. And as they were about to call wrap, we knew it was happening. We grabbed each other’s hands, and they said, “That’s a picture wrap,” and we were all three together, the way we started. And that doesn’t always happen. You don’t always get to wrap a project with your costars. So that was a special moment that we’ll never forget.

GLITTER: Glitter has a celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign. What does self-love mean to you?
JANEL: Wow, I love that. For me, I think self-love is being kind to yourself. Accepting yourself for all of your flaws, everything that you are, embracing it, and not making apologies for who you are.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tease?
JANEL: Stay tuned! We’re about to go film something as well, but once again, I cannot say, yet.

GLITTER: What are the best social media platforms for fans to follow you?
JANEL: I think Instagram and Twitter are my most active. So @janelparrish at Instagram, as well as Twitter.